compunction
UK: /kəmˈpʌŋkʃ(ə)n/ | US: /kəmˈpʌŋkʃən/
n. a feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows wrongdoing
n. (archaic) a pricking of the conscience
compunction = com<with> + punct<prick> + ion<noun suffix>
- com (Latin cum): "with" or "together"
- punct (Latin punctum): "prick" or "point" (related to pungere, "to sting")
- ion: noun-forming suffix indicating state or action
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin compunctio ("pricking of conscience"), the word originally evoked the physical sensation of being pricked by guilt. The root punct appears in words like punctuate (to mark with points) and puncture (to pierce). Over time, compunction shifted from literal "stinging" to metaphorical moral unease, reflecting how guilt "pricks" the conscience.
She felt no compunction about lying to protect her friend.
His compunction over the mistake kept him awake at night.
The thief showed surprising compunction after returning the stolen items.
Without compunction, he canceled the project, disregarding others' efforts.
A sudden compunction made her apologize for her harsh words.